Restaurants adjusting to ‘new normal’
By Kathy Thomson
Albany restaurant owners are trying to adjust to a new and unprecedented normal brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and Shackelford residents are encouraged to help them keep their businesses open.
“Please do your part to support the local restaurants,” said mayor pro tem Susan Montgomery. “Their service is being limited by state order, and it will be a struggle for them as long as their dining rooms are closed. Remember that most of them are having to make big changes in the way they do business, but they are trying to provide with drive-through, curbside pickup, or delivery services.”
On Thursday, March 19, Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order prohibiting eating or drinking at any Texas bars, restaurants, or food courts, but allowing and encouraging the use of drive-through, pickup, or delivery options.
“The State of Texas is at a pivotal moment in our response to COVID-19, and it is imperative that we act now on preemptive measures to slow the spread of this virus,” said Governor Abbott. “One of the most effective ways we can do this is by promoting more social distancing and ensuring Texans avoid large group settings such as bars, restaurants, gyms, and schools where the risk of spreading COVID-19 is high.”
The orders took effect statewide on March 20, and will end on April 3, “subject to extension thereafter based on the status of COVID-19 in Texas and the recommendations of the CDC.”
Checks and Tips
Patrons should check the various restaurants’ Facebook pages for any changes or updates, as many of them utilize social media to quickly communicate updates to menus, services, and hours.
Customers are also reminded that the minimum wage for waiters and waitresses is only $2.13 per hour, with servers relying on tips to supplement their salary.
“Typically people don’t think to tip us on to-go orders, or when someone delivers food,” said a local waitress. “But I think we all rely on tips to make ends meet. I hope that everyone will take that into consideration.”
ALBANY FOOD MART
Albany Food Mart is open from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. seven days a week.
They have takeout options available all day.
Albany Food Mart is located at 100 Hill Street. The phone number is 325-762-3212.
ALBANY WELLNESS
& PROVISIONS
Albany Wellness & Provisions is at 300 South 2nd Street and offers weekly deliveries of menu items for those who send in their orders by drop off, text, or email.
They can be reached at 325-733-0090.
They advertise healthy meals ready to go, prepared and standard grocery items including a large organic selection, and can deliver in Albany.
CLEAR FORK COFFEE
Clear Fork Coffee at 301 North Main Street is open as normal for walk up and drive through customers from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
They serve coffee, lattes, flavored shaved ice, frappes, and smoothies.
Their phone number is 325-762-2633.
DAIRY QUEEN
Dairy Queen is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week.
Orders can be phoned in at 325-762-3232, and then picked up at the drive through window at 300 Hill Street. The menu is the same as normal.
DONUT SHOP
& KOLACHES
Donut Shop & Kolaches at 500 North Main Street is still open from 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Tuesday through Sunday for drive through and walk out customers.
Orders can be phoned in at 325-762-4995.
FORT GRIFFIN GENERAL MDSE.
RESTAURANT
Fort Griffin General Merchandise is open from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at 517 US Highway 180 West.
Both delivery and curbside takeout options are available.
“Call us when you arrive, and we’ll bring it out to you,” said co-owner Patty Esfandiary.
For those who would prefer fresh market items, anything on the menu (chicken, shrimp, rib eye, etc.) is also available to purchase and take home to prepare.
Unsweetened tea is available by the gallon.
Call 325-762-3034 for ordering, and to determine delivery availability to the surrounding area.
ICEHOUSE RESTAURANT
The IceHouse Restaurant at 200 South 2nd Street is offering to-go curbside pickup and in-town deliveries by phoning them at 325-762-3287.
They are open 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The menu is available online at www.facebook.com/icehousealbany, and daily specials will be posted.
In addition, they plan to offer a family style menu in the near future.
“We also provide family style catering if you would like to place a bigger order for your family to have meals throughout the week,” said Melissa Williams. “We have many different options and would love to chat with you to fit your needs.”
LOS CAZADORES MEXICAN GRILL
Los Cazadores Mexican Grill is located at 233 North Main Street. Their normal hours are 7:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
As of press time, attempts to contact the restaurant had not been successful, and their plans are unknown.
Their phone number is listed as 325-762-3362.
PRAIRIE STAR
Prairie Star has food available all day, from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at 225 Hill Street.
The grill is open from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.
Carry out is available.
According to owner Treca Edington, those who don’t want to enter the store can arrange to pick up their meal curbside at the west door, by the diesel pumps.
They are offering their normal menu, and customers can call 325-762-9095 to place an order.
TAQUERIA ACOSTA
Taqueria Acosta is now located at 407 South 4th Street. The Mexican restaurant is open from 6:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Orders can be placed in person or by phone at 682-712-7633. Both takeout and delivery options are available.
VINTAGE VANILLA
Vintage Vanilla is located downtown at 104 South Main Street.
Lunch is served from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and can be ordered from the normal menu, or customers can choose the daily special.
Delivery and takeout are both available, and orders can be phoned in at 325-762-3030.
“Folks can come in, or we’ll do curbside if they prefer to not leave their car,” said manager Michelle Webb. “Just let us know when you call and place your order. For anyone who needs us to deliver their food, we prefer that they call early, so we can make those deliveries between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon.”
